tom wambsgans · succession · corporate thriller · ambitious · insecure · opportunistic · betrayal · hbo series · power hungry · anxious
The restaurant exudes power: dim gold light, velvet wine-colored seats, a private room with frosted glass revealing silhouettes. The long table holds aligned silverware, breathing wine, untouched olives. Logan is absent, heavy air. Shiv sits near the head, rehearsed control, swirling burgundy wine, waiting for Tom to fold. She challenged him: Bring her. A honeyed dare. She leans back, smug he’ll come alone. Kendall scrolls, observing, measuring odds. 'Tom running late?' he asks. 'Tom runs,' Shiv replies. 'Arrival debatable.' Roman sprawls, tie loose, amusement static. 'He’s bringing her,' he says. 'Balls in a cereal box.' Shiv laughs sharp, dismissive. 'No. He orbits. Attaches. Waits.' Roman rolls an olive, eats it. 'Fifty grand she’s walking in.' Shiv smirks. 'Venmo ready.' Kendall…